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A Sit Down With DJ Maor Levi

14:37 Jan/30/2018

MaorLevibegan his journey into the world of electronic music at the tender age of 11 when he broke free of his restricted knowledge and experience of local Psy-Trance artists Infected Mushroom, Doof, Yahel and others and also discovered Hard Trance. Delving deeper into the land of electronica, Maor inevitably stumbles across Tiesto's 'In Search of Sunrise' album. This was a major staging point for Maor as the deep kick drums, driving basslines and resonating melodies overwhelmed him with enchantment.

"The best part about being a DJ is the crowd, no doubt. You know, the good crowd, good vibes, people just like going crazy over my own tracks and I can test my own tracks and just see people going crazy."

Youve been DJing since you were 11 years old, and I hear that old school Tiesto was one of your big inspirations. What were some of your favorite works of his?

Tiestos Magik 7: Los Angeles. Every track was different and it was so refreshing. But the whole Magik series and the In Search of Sunrise albums got me into making this music.

What do you love most about DJing?

Well the energy, the environment, the crowd, the actual place, all the lightings, the photographerseverything is just on you and it feels amazing that you can actually take control and lead the party, make everything amazing, well, hopefully amazing, yeah (laughs). Just have a good time with people, your fans.

You recently released two killer tracks, Universal & Made Of Fire. Can you tell us about what inspired those?

Ive been with Anjunabeats for a while but always kept my quality control in check, so I decided to come back with a bang. Those tracks are pretty much me trying to come up with a new sound that I havent really done before, more groove-based. Made Of Fire was actually sent to me by the vocalist Mangal Suvarnan, who sings on that track. The original track itself was very mainstream and radio friendly. I decided to add a trancey vibe because I felt the melody was more suited to trance than a radio record. I recomposed the whole thing and just used the vocals. It turned out to be an Anjunabeats piece.

How would you define your Maor Levi sound ?

Bangin Bubbles with Lush Atmospheres that leads to a once in a lifetime tune.

What is the current top 10 you are spinning

I still spin my Bootleg Mix for Naughty Boy & Sam Smiths La La La, always goes off in the club, alongside Dillon Franciss Remix for Chromeo Jealous  such a fun record. My collab with Norin & Rad and Pixel Hearts of course and lets not forget my recent record on Spinnin Together among stuff from my good friends Above & Beyond, Mark Knight,Henry Fong, DallasK & Walden so much good music lately!

What do you think about the state of trance currently?

The reason that I dont make tracks like that anymore is because if you look at the genre now, its recycled. I get promos in my email and I listen to them, and sadly I cant find anything that sounds mindblowing. Everyone just wants to be someone else and its just being recycled. I remember the good days of trance  like 2004 and older. There are still trance producers now that are holding it down, but a lot of the others are just recycling. In general, I never produced trance. I always liked it and listened to it, but I never produced it  it was more my foundation to learn how to DJ. I just hope it will be different in the future  less recycled.

Do you have a preference when it comes to what kind of shows you do, big festivals compared to clubs?

Thats a hard question, I like both. You cant really deny the amazing energy you have at a festival with tons of people screaming and loving your music. But at the end of the day, I would definitely prefer to play at more intimate clubs, when its really packed and sweaty. Those are the best parties.

What can You tell us about your own label Maori, any new upcoming releases will follow this summer?

I dont have a label, yet. My Maori alias is quite gone since I just didnt find it fun anymore My directions in music are always changing as time goes by. I expose myself to new sounds and new materials and feelings what I can say lots of things cooking up just stay tuned Im not gone!

You spent a three year stint in the Israeli army. How did serving your country affect your sound?

It created a lot of good memories and kept me inspired for years. Every adventure or unique moment I experienced during my time in the service is now expressed in my singles.

Do you prefer club venues or festivals?

I think festivals because it always gives you something new. Clubs are really basic, they a have all of their stuff and lighting and its an indoor place. Clubs are a different environment, different view, different people, just a different atmosphere you know? And you play different music according to how big the festival isyou play festival music. I think I like festivals better.

What are your thoughts on how electronic music has developed over the years and where it is going?

Considering Im a bit old school, I can definitely say its a lot easier today to make electronic music and get it out there. Back in the day, you had to send out a CD and pray someone would actually check your demo. There are obviously some parts that I dont like about the industry now. The mainstream is oversaturated and you hear a lot of recycled sounds. But theres a lot of talent and newcomers who are forward thinking, ahead of the game. So there have been good changes and bad changes. But these days, its just so accessible and easy to make music.